With 100 days left until the start of the college football season, Memphis and Ole Miss Football are being looked at as teams that could make it to the expansion playoffs.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — There are 100 days until the college football season, but ESPN projects both the University of Memphis and Ole Miss football to advance to the College Football Playoff.
This season marks the first time the playoff structure has been expanded to 12 teams, meaning you'll have more chances to see your favorite teams compete in postseason play. That includes Memphis, as teams in Group 5 are guaranteed a spot in the 12-team playoff.
On Thursday, ESPN compiled top 10 lists in various categories.
Memphis was ranked No. 1 on the list of 10 G5 teams eligible for the playoffs.
“If Boise State doesn't have the biggest upside, Memphis has the biggest upside,” ESPN's Bill Connelly said. “The Tigers also have experience. Quarterback Seth Hennigan and the receiver duo of Rock Taylor and Demer Blankumsey lead an offense with 40 PPG, the defense adds 10 transfers, and Memphis has a No. 3 transfer to Florida State. We could have an advantage in every game except for the away game this week.'' ”
Meanwhile, Ole Miss was ranked number one on the list of “10 teams making the playoffs for the first time.''
ESPN's Heather Dinich said, “With veteran QB Jackson Dart returning (23 passing touchdowns, five interceptions last year) and Ole Miss skipping Alabama to host Georgia and Oklahoma, the Rebels have plenty of talent. “I have a schedule,” he said.
Memphis kicks off the season by hosting North Alabama on Saturday, August 31st. Ole Miss will host Furman on the same day, aiming to qualify for the playoffs.
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